The discussion will be moved up a week, to begin on Tuesday, September 17th, and will run over 4 weeks. This to accommodate (in a small way) starting of the UT read through and to provide a timely start to LOTR next year.

See you then! Is there a Tolkien topic that you have wanted to look into more deeply, and write about your thoughts on it? If so, we'd like to hear from you for the next TORn Amateur Symposium- coming in November. Happy writing!

How are you dividing Letter 131 over the 4 weeks? Are you starting at the beginning and ploughing through? Or are you taking themes for discussion? Is there a Tolkien topic that you have wanted to look into more deeply and write about your thoughts on it? If so, we'd like to hear from you for the next TORn Amateur Symposium- coming in November. Happy writing!

And I'm really glad that someone along the line made the connection that this is printed in most editions of Silm. Now I'll be able to participate (if RL allows, of course!). 'Twas in the Land of Willows that I heard th'unfathomed breath Of the Horns of Ylmir calling - and shall hear them till my death.

Its still evolving - so what I posted earlier has changed
[In reply to]

Can't Post

In Reply To

How are you dividing Letter 131 over the 4 weeks? Are you starting at the beginning and ploughing through? Or are you taking themes for discussion?

As discussion points aren't always proportional - it progresses through the Ages but not entirely evenly. I will probably open with his rationales for writing, and some of the First Age (where there is heaps of discussion points about the story itself, especially after just finishing Sil); Second Age is a bit dryer, and he moves into the Third Age quickly, where there is also much to be discussed, particularly about the nature of Sauron. and the Rings. A mix of directly following the body of his words, with thematic points mixed in.

So the posts in each week may be a bit of a mix, excepting for two weeks (one each) which can purely be First Age and Third Age. I have to say I am looking forward to all of your collective insights; I've read this Letter so many times yet still am struck by things, subtle hints and nuances, as I read it for analysis. Is there a Tolkien topic that you have wanted to look into more deeply, and write about your thoughts on it? If so, we'd like to hear from you for the next TORn Amateur Symposium- coming in November. Happy writing!

And I'm really glad that someone along the line made the connection that this is printed in most editions of Silm. Now I'll be able to participate (if RL allows, of course!).

I'm glad it gives access to the Letter for those who have that copy.

Darned RL, always interfering with our Tolkien... Do very much hope to see you there as much as you can make it Ardamire! Is there a Tolkien topic that you have wanted to look into more deeply, and write about your thoughts on it? If so, we'd like to hear from you for the next TORn Amateur Symposium- coming in November. Happy writing!

Well, with the medical backgrounds of so many RR members
[In reply to]

Can't Post

I hope you devote a week to discussing blood types of Orcs. (Are O negatives more aggressive than AB positives?) Maybe a week on dragon skin, and was the scaly stuff a self-defense or a dermatological aberration? Not that I would understand any of it, but majority rules.

But I'll keep an eye on the discussions. Two eyes, as often as I can spare them. 'Twas in the Land of Willows that I heard th'unfathomed breath Of the Horns of Ylmir calling - and shall hear them till my death.

But when Bilbo is standing with that pony in AUJ, I sort of start, and think "Oh, Ardamire has just posted something..." Is there a Tolkien topic that you have wanted to look into more deeply, and write about your thoughts on it? If so, we'd like to hear from you for the next TORn Amateur Symposium- coming in November. Happy writing!

It's amazing how things can trigger your memory! Often while I'm driving down the road, I'll see some trees that remind me exactly of your avatar. It's uncanny lol 'Twas in the Land of Willows that I heard th'unfathomed breath Of the Horns of Ylmir calling - and shall hear them till my death.

Great to see you Lightfoot! Glad you will be joining us! //
[In reply to]

Can't Post

Is there a Tolkien topic that you have wanted to look into more deeply, and write about your thoughts on it? If so, we'd like to hear from you for the next TORn Amateur Symposium- coming in November. Happy writing!

Is there a Tolkien topic that you have wanted to look into more deeply, and write about your thoughts on it? If so, we'd like to hear from you for the next TORn Amateur Symposium- coming in November. Happy writing!

I have the 1977 edition and a (purchased new in 2003) 1981 edition of the Silm. Neither seem to have Letter 131 in them. Any other places I can look? I really don't need another copy of the Silm. and I don't think I want to purchase.... oh never mind. Amazon 1-click, take me away! “Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

(PS Glad you didn't find it either CuriousG. I was beginning to think I had read it but forgotten completely.) “Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

keeping all the best wine, Russia keeping the best vodka, and Greece keeping the best olive oil rather than export it. The UK keeps the best editions of The Silmarillion, exporting trashy versions to the US to punish us for not being part of the Commonwealth. Declarations of Independence can have woeful consequences.

looking this up in threaded mode gave the impression that France was one of the things you need to google to find. As I also tend to post the beginnings of sentences as titles, this serves as a dire warning to make sure others aren't confused the same way by my posts.

And your last sentence reads so much like referring to the Oath of Feanor.

I need to move to Canada to get the most authentic Tolkien experience this side of the Atlantic? But beer and pipe weed are waaaay more expensive "up nort, eh". “Where there's life there's hope, and need of vittles.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings